Are Chevy Cruzes Reliable Cars? Here's What You Need to Know
Are Chevy Cruzes Reliable Cars? Here's What You Need to Know
Posted on July 19, 2024
The Chevrolet Cruze jumps out as a Chevrolet vehicle that's not an SUV or a truck—but many of our customers are curious about their reliability. At Okotoks GM, we can share our experience and impressions about one Chevy vehicle you should definitely consider when shopping for a car.
Let's explore the facts about their performance, common issues, and maintenance costs so you can make an informed decision.
Key Value Proposition of the Chevrolet Cruze
- The Chevy Cruze has had mixed reliability ratings, with some models performing better than others, particularly the latter-days models.
- Owning a Chevy Cruze costs around CA$750 annually in maintenance and repairs, with a good record of fewer unscheduled repair shop visits.
- There's a 12% chance of serious problems for every year of ownership when issues do arise in a Chevrolet Cruze.
- RepairPal grants the Cruze a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0.
- With its turbocharged engine and manual transmission, this trim can deliver 7.8 city and 6.0 highway L/100 km, not far off from hybrid efficiency.
- Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze in the U.S. and Mexico in 2019 and China in 2020, but some fans remain avid about its value as a used car.
Overview of Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevy Cruze has a lot to offer drivers interested in fuel economy and an economical starting price for a used Chevrolet. As a discontinued GM vehicle, used inventory is only here for a limited time!
Chevrolet’s foray into the compact car segment brought us the Chevy Cruze, a vehicle that’s been turning heads since its debut in 2008. It rolled off the line as a successor to various models, including the Chevrolet HHR and Cobalt, and quickly became a global player.
Built on the robust GM Delta 2 platform, the Cruze was a product of General Motors’ international effort, with significant development coming from GM Korea. The first generation set the stage, but it was the second-generation Cruze that hit the North American market in early 2016, promising a fresh take on the compact car experience during the top Chevy Cruze years.
Available in a sedan that speaks of classic style, a hatchback for the more practical-minded, and even a station wagon for those needing extra cargo space, the Cruze catered to a variety of lifestyles. Initially, in South Korea, this model sold under the name Daewoo Lacetti Premiere but was rebranded in 2011 to join the global Chevrolet family.
Though Chevrolet discontinued it in the U.S. and Mexico in 2019 and China in 2020, the Cruze left a lasting impression on the compact car scene.
Reliability Ratings and Consumer Reports
While the Cruze models with the 1.8L engine have displayed some weaknesses, the rest of the lineup has held a steady course with average to improving scores. It's true, not all Cruzes are created equal, and it pays to do your homework on which models stand the test of time.
Diving deeper into the numbers, there's also a lot to work with. RepairPal grants the Cruze a reliability score of 4.0/5.0. It’s a middle-of-the-road ranking that might not lead the pack but doesn’t fall too far behind either.
Meanwhile, J.D. Power awarded the Cruze model an 88/100 reliability score in its category, with the redesign also earning a respectable sixth place. These ratings suggest that, particularly in recent years, the Cruze might just be hitting its stride.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Our service technicians can help you make scheduled repairs to the Chevy Cruze according to OEM standards.
Let’s talk dollars and sense. Owning a Chevy Cruze means setting aside around CA$750 annually for maintenance and repairs, a tad above the average for compact cars. While that's not something anyone looks forward to paying, it's better cost of ownership than many models, since the average to repair a vehicle each year across all makes is around CA$1015 —something to consider when budgeting expenses.
On the bright side, Cruze owners typically find themselves in the repair shop for unscheduled visits less frequently than one might fear, though when they do, there’s a 12% chance the problem could be on the serious side. But Chevrolet is one brand that has manageable repair costs especially on Cruze parts.
Safety Features and Their Impact on Reliability
A car’s safety suite is a big part of its reliability reputation, and the Chevy Cruze comes with the highest importance. From its high-strength steel body to the advanced airbag system cushioning both award-winning front and side impacts, the Cruze is built to protect. With Chevy Cruzes, safety is always a top priority, making it a good car choice.
Anti-lock brakes and stability control do a lot for safety as well as the general feeling of safety you might find from a test drive of one of our used Chevy Cruze models.
Fuel Economy and Performance
Efficiency is where the Chevy Cruze truly aims to impress. Yielding superb fuel economy of that’s easy on the wallet and the environment, its fuel economy is hard to beat. With its turbocharged engine and manual transmission, this trim can deliver an EPA-estimated 7.8 city and 6.0 highway L/100 km, not far off from some hybrids out there.
Comparing Chevy Cruze to Other Compact Cars
In the crowded arena of compact cars, the Chevy Cruze holds its own, but it’s not without competition. With a reliability ranking that lands it mid-tier, it’s clear that while the Cruze is a strong contender, there are others in the ring worth considering. But as a used car under $15,000 it's a great find.
Reliability is a cornerstone of car ownership, influencing everything from long-term satisfaction to resale value, and it’s here that potential buyers should weigh the Cruze as a reliable car against its rivals.
The Chevy Cruze holds its own against the competition by being recognized in Kelly Blue Book's 10 Best Cars Under $15K over the years, highlighting its blend of reliability, performance, and value.
Comparing the Cruze to other GM Standouts
The GMC Terrain is another reliable vehicle you can count on. Because the Cruze is not being made new, you can look at its successors whenever you decide it's time to shop for new vehicles.
The Chevy Cruze, with its compact design and commendable fuel efficiency, often appeals to those prioritizing economy and city driving. In contrast, the reliable GMC Terrain offers a more spacious interior and higher towing capacity, making it a better choice for families and those needing extra cargo space.
Real-World Experiences from Owners
But what’s it really like to live with a Chevy Cruze? Owners chime in with praises for the 2019 model’s smooth ride, comfy interior, and tech-friendly features. They’ve found it to be a mostly reliable companion, ideal for daily commutes and versatile enough to handle both city streets and weekend escapes. In fact, many owners appreciate their Chevy Cruze’s 1.4L engine's ability to punch above its weight.
Tips for Buying a Used Chevy Cruze
If you’ve got your sights set on a used Chevy Cruze, a little legwork can go a long way. Start with the basics: check the maintenance and repair records to gauge the car’s health, and don’t skip the CarFax report to find out how well its mainenance has contributed to its mileage count. It's all part of buying a used car, which is different from (not necessarily better than) the new car buying experience.
A keen eye for rust and wear and tear, along with a thorough test drive and paying attention to the check engine light, will help you spot potential major problems before they become your issues. You can also check with our sales advisors for help interpreting vehicle history reports and any question marks in its past.
Jump Into a Used Chevrolet Cruze at Okotoks GM
Our sales advisors can show you the way to our Chevy Cruze inventory but only you can get a feel for it according to your tastes. There are lots of great reasons to buy, but a test drive will help you decide once and for all!
In the end, the Chevy Cruze presents itself as a compact car with a lot to offer – from its commendable safety features and respectable fuel economy to a variety of owner experiences that highlight its reliability. While it may not be the undisputed champion of the compact car class, it certainly is worth financing and balancing value with cost of ownership. Get prequalified for a loan to finance a Cruze!
This car is not to be overlooked in your search for a reliable used vehicle and any repairs that do come in the future will be well worth the money. Before those days, you can count on it for performance and economy. Ready to experience the Chevy Cruze for yourself? Visit us at Okotoks GM and take one for a test drive today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Cruze expensive to maintain?
The Chevy Cruze costs around CA$750 to maintain per year. It's about as expensive to maintain as the Chevy Equinox and may cost you even less, making it a more budget-friendly option for those concerned about long-term costs.
How does the Chevy Cruze perform in terms of safety?
The Chevy Cruze performs well in terms of safety, with features like high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag systems, anti-lock brakes, and stability control contributing to its reliability.
It's won Top Safety Pick in the past for its crash test performance—with good scores on moderate overlap front tests.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevy Cruze?
When buying a used Chevy Cruze on your own, look for detailed maintenance records, check the CarFax report for title, mileage, and accident history, inspect for rust and interior wear, and take a comprehensive test drive to ensure its condition. Or visit our dealership for trusted advice.
How does the Chevy Cruze's fuel economy compare to other compact cars?
The Chevy Cruze's fuel economy, especially the Cruze Eco trim with a manual transmission, is impressive, with an 7.8 city and 6.0 highway L/100 km, making it comparable to some hybrid vehicles in terms of fuel efficiency. It's a great choice if you're looking for a fuel-efficient compact car.
If you're still unsure, check out whether the reliable Chevy Trax might be a better fit for you—though it has less efficiency than the Cruze at 8.3 L/100km in the city and 7.4 L/100km on highway.